The Water Table

Jamie Duininck

A place to learn about agricultural water management topics that impact our industry. Jamie Duininck hosts thought-provoking discussions with a wide variety of experts on topics such as drainage best practices, product standards, conservation efforts, land values, crop health, economic impact, system design, and safety issues.

  1. Resin pricing nine weeks into the Iran war… an honest update

    6D AGO

    Resin pricing nine weeks into the Iran war… an honest update

    Two months into the Iran war, Jamie welcomes back Sleiman Bassila, founder and president of BIC Advisory Group, and Tom Hughes, founder, president, and CEO of Quantum Polymers. These two polyethylene industry experts have been closely watching the events in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz and share their insights into the wide-ranging market effects of the ongoing war. Sleiman and Tom summarize what’s happened since their last visit to The Water Table. The conversation touches on supply shortages, damaged petrochemical plants, unprecedented daily pricing increases, impacts on domestic pipe prices, and what it all means to the fertilizer supply chain. They also talk through the possibilities for recovery and how long it might take for stability to return once the war is over. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:36 A recap of recent history 05:35 Re-exporters enter the market 08:58 Impacts of petrochemical plant damage 12:00 Recovery possibilities, challenges, and timelines 18:30 Material availability, competition, and prioritization 22:32 The unprecedented pace of price increases 27:13 How lags in resin prices impact domestic pipe costs 31:09 Expectations of inflation  32:47 What about the fertilizer supply chain? 36:28 How oil prices impact resin re-exports 38:54 Closing Related Content: #144: The Iran war and pipe prices#124: Who pays? The impact of tariffs on U.S. and Canadian ag#8: Cause and effect: Plastic resin supplyFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube MusicYouTubeVisit our website to explore more episodes and water management education.

    40 min
  2. Putting controlled drainage to the test

    APR 21

    Putting controlled drainage to the test

    Can controlled drainage make that big of a difference in drainage flow, nitrogen loss, and overall yields? A research project in the Midwest has been studying that question since 2017, and the findings might surprise you. Guest host Trey Allis sits down with Jeppe Kjaersgaard, a research scientist studying drainage, nitrogen management, and irrigation. Jeppe traces his journey from the family farm in Denmark to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, shares results from his controlled drainage field study, and makes a compelling case for collaborating with people across the ag industry. Jeppe and Trey talk through the methods and findings of a controlled drainage comparison study in Wilkin County, Minnesota. The project includes two sites: a 160-acre field used to gather data on controlled drainage and a 65-acre plot used to explore the impacts of a saturated buffer. Jeppe shares what he’s learning about how different water management methods impact drainage flow, nitrogen loss, and overall yields. Trey and Jeppe also discuss the Conservation Drainage Network, an organization made up of researchers, drainage professionals, and interest organizations, as well as federal, state, and local conservation district staff. Jeppe talks about the benefits of such a network and how it can help increase adoption of different conservation drainage practices. Learn more about the Red River Drainage Water Management Project: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/protecting/cleanwaterfund/onfarmprojects/rrvdwmproject Check out the Conservation Drainage Network: https://conservationdrainage.net/ Chapters: 00:00 - Introductions 01:42 - From Denmark to Minnesota 04:50 - Local differences and global similarities 06:45 - Minnesota Department of Agriculture work 08:27 - Controlled drainage comparison project 13:20 - Highlights and learnings of project 17:38 - Measuring drainage flow, nitrogen loss, and yields 20:00 - Cost analysis and planning for the future 21:58 - Saturated buffer impacts on nitrogen and water flow 26:19 - Using project data to set standards 27:47 - The Conservation Drainage Network 35:47 - Drainage is a key piece of the whole ag picture 41:40 - Closing Related Content: #142: Minnesota's coolest drainage plots#98: Exploring Discovery Farms: A lesson in doing the homework#110: Bridging the gap between water management research and applicationJeppe Kjaersgaard on the 2026 Discovery Farms Minnesota Controlled Drainage WebinarFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube MusicYouTubeVisit our website to explore more episodes and water management education.

    43 min
  3. The Iran war and pipe prices

    MAR 12

    The Iran war and pipe prices

    Just 11 days into the Iran war, Jamie hosts an in-depth discussion with two experts in the polyethylene market. Joining the conversation are Sleiman Bassila, founder and president of BIC Advisory Group, and Tom Hughes, founder, president, and CEO of Quantum Polymers. With a combined 45 years in the industry, Sleiman and Tom contextualize current events with a brief history of the polyethylene resin market. They discuss the current situation, compare it with the 2021 freeze caused by Winter Storm Uri, cover the significance of the shipping shutdown at the Strait of Hormuz, and share their thoughts on potential short- and long-term challenges ahead for producers and consumers. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 02:45 - Defining terms  03:43 - A brief history of the polyethylene market 11:04 - Winter Storm Uri and the 2021 freeze 15:05 - A chokepoint on global energy 19:02 - Cascading implications 22:44 - A dangerous situation 24:49 - Global events and impacts at home 28:13 - The importance of shipping routes 29:23 - Seeing the big economic picture 31:46 - Ongoing market volatility 33:44 - Understanding the scope of the crisis 35:00 - Higher prices, large volume buyers 38:45 - Short- and long-term effects 41:44 - Potential outcomes for the global economy 44:32 - Final thoughts Related Content: #124: Who pays? The impact of tariffs on U.S. and Canadian ag#115: How will the 2024 election results impact ag?#8: Cause and effect: Plastic Resin SupplyFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube MusicYouTubeVisit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

    49 min
  4. Facing it Together: Mental Health in Agriculture

    FEB 17

    Facing it Together: Mental Health in Agriculture

    After a near-fatal battle with depression, Mark Meier got the help he needed to recover. That experience inspired him to co-found the Face It Foundation and help other men find connection, understanding, and healing through peer support groups.  Mark and Jamie talk about the challenges men face when it comes to addressing mental health issues, as well as the negative impacts of avoiding those struggles. They also discuss how these challenges can show up for farmers, how rural communities may have some unique benefits when it comes to making connections, and the role of faith in recovery.  This episode contains content about depression, suicide, and mental health conditions that may be distressing. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the National 988 Crisis Line. Or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. For more information on the Face It Foundation visit: https://www.faceitfoundation.org/ Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 00:30 - Coping with the ups and downs of ag 02:54 - Mark Meier and the Face It Foundation 03:30 - Mental health crisis leads to new understanding 04:15 - Identifying a connection gap and launching Face It 05:22 - Group support, deep connections, and big impacts 07:02 - Reflecting on generational differences and similarities 09:31 - Isolation, social media, and self-esteem 11:05 - Making connections in rural America 12:30 - Getting support through the Face It Foundation 15:12 - Healing through connection with others 16:16 - How peer support works 17:30 - Partnering with the Masons 18:30 - The role of faith in recovery 19:40 - The costs of disconnection and depression 22:10 - Supporting each other through life’s uncertainties 25:29 - Unique opportunities to connect in rural communities 27:22 - The power of relationships and vulnerability 28:20 - The future of the Face It Foundation Related Content: #131: Schwartz Farms: A Business Built On Shared Purpose & Embracing Change#121: Navigating the Challenges & Opportunities of Being a Farmer#130: Community-Driven Conservation: Bridging Gaps, Building ResilienceFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube MusicYouTubeVisit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

    32 min
  5. Minnesota's Coolest Drainage Plots

    JAN 20

    Minnesota's Coolest Drainage Plots

    In this episode, guest host Trey Allis chats with Dr. Lindsay Pease of the University of Minnesota Crookston. An Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in Nutrient and Water Management, Dr. Pease shares insights into her research on drainage, nutrient management, and soil health in northwestern Minnesota.   Tracing her roots in the western Lake Erie basin in Ohio to her current work in the Red River Valley, Dr. Pease reflects on the similarities and differences between these two flat glacial landscapes. She shares her experience of getting “deeper and deeper into drainage” and how this interest brought her to her position in Crookston, MN. Since 2019, Dr. Pease has conducted a 60-acre field experiment, studying crop outcomes in alternating drained and undrained sections. Through extreme weather conditions, she’s gathered valuable information about how tile drainage impacts water quality and crop performance. She shares the outcomes of this research and talks about what she’s learned about tile drainage and its impacts on the health of soil, water, and different types of crops. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 00:48 - From one glacial lake bed to another 02:14 - Focus on drainage and soil health 03:39 - Unique challenges in northwestern Minnesota 05:31 - Crop rotation and nutrient cycling 08:33 - A 60-acre field experiment 10:53 - Drainage and extreme weather patterns 12:16 - Wet seasons and nitrogen loss 13:37 - Testing in drought conditions 16:00 - Sugar beet drainage comparisons 19:36 - Phosphorus runoff and water quality 22:34 - Conservation practices for runoff control 26:06 - Controlled drainage and lift stations 30:40 - Future research directions 33:18 - Upcoming learning opportunities 36:03 - Closing thoughts Related Content: The Water Table Episode #69: A City Kid’s Impact on Water Management Education with Dr. Lindsay PeaseFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube MusicYouTubeVisit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

    37 min
  6. 2025 Wrapped: A Year in Ag Water Management

    12/23/2025

    2025 Wrapped: A Year in Ag Water Management

    As we close out another year, The Water Table looks back on the conversations that shaped 2025. In this special "2025 Wrapped" episode, we’ve curated highlights from our most impactful discussions—from Ducks Unlimited to the high-tech future of drainage modeling. Host Jamie Duininck and guest host Trey Allis revisit stories of multi-generational family businesses, the critical role of recycled plastics in pipe manufacturing, and the evolving mindset around water as a resource to be managed rather than a problem to be solved. Whether discussing the effects of tariffs on agriculture or the rigorous licensing of contractors in Ontario, this year has been a testament to the growth and professionalism of our industry. Join us for this retrospective as we celebrate another year in Ag water management. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome to 2025 Wrapped 00:14 - John Schwartz: Vision and Teamwork in the Swine Industry 01:19 - Samantha Ewald: Wetlands as the Kidneys of the Earth 03:03 - Jamie Duininck: The Minnesota State Fair Experience 03:50 - Lauren Lewandowski Hamer: Recycling and Local Manufacturing in Minnesota 04:32 - Jamie Duininck: The Backbone of the Drainage Industry 04:50 - Tim & Pattie Krengel: Multi-Generational Legacies 06:01 - Toban Dyck: Agriculture Across the Great Plains 07:41 - Chad Klotzbach: Managing Water Quality and Quantity 08:43 - Jamie Duininck: The First Ever Water Table Live 10:59 - Mel Luymes: Legislation and Licensing in Ontario 12:24 - Karl Guetter: Insights on the 2024 and 2025 Seasons 13:14 - Chuck Brandel: LiDAR Drones and Cost-Effective Modeling Episodes Featured in 2025 Wrapped: 118: Accidental Advocate for the Drainage Industry119: Revolutionizing Drainage: Improving Infrastructure with Technology121: Navigating the Challenges & Opportunities of Being a Farmer122: Drainage in Ontario: Balancing Agriculture & the Environment.123: Drainage Contractors' Questions Answered - Live!124: Who Pays? The Impact of Tariffs on U.S. and Canadian Ag126: From the Ground Up: A Legacy of Breaking Barriers & Land Stewardship131: Schwartz Farms: A Business Built On Shared Purpose & Embracing Change132: Ducks Unlimited: Balancing Wetland Conservation & Agricultural Production135: A Fair Deal: Recycling & Giving Plastics New LifeFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube MusicYouTubeVisit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

    16 min
  7. Clean Water is Everyone's Responsibility | #140

    12/09/2025

    Clean Water is Everyone's Responsibility | #140

    In the quest for better water quality, farmers and city residents share a vital common goal: protecting our shared water resources by managing runoff. Host Jamie Duininck speaks with Ann Zawistoski and Sophie Wicklund of the Adopt-a-Drain program to draw a direct line between agricultural and urban water management practices. Just as farmers use practices like buffer strips, bioreactors, and controlled drainage to minimize nutrient loss, our “city cousins" clean their local storm drains to prevent urban pollutants like leaves and debris from entering waterways. Adopt-a-Drain empowers the public to take responsibility for stormwater management, recognizing that urban stormwater runoff is a major source of water pollution. The program encourages residents to adopt a storm drain near their home and clean it just twice a month. This simple, hands-on approach transforms the public's understanding of their impact on the watershed, leading to broader behavioral changes. The collective results prove the power of individual action, with over 30,000 adopted drains and nearly one million pounds of debris removed across the country. Tune in to discover the powerful parallels between urban and agricultural water quality practices and how community engagement is successfully working toward clean water for everyone. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:36 Adopt-a-Drain Guest Introductions 01:57 The Urban Stormwater Challenge 04:00 How the Adopt-a-Drain Program Works 05:40 Nearly 1 Million Pounds of Debris Removed 06:35 Behavior Change 07:50 Adopt-a-Drain's Origins and Inspiration 10:52 Why Small, Frequent Cleanings Make a Big Difference 13:56 Engaging Participants Year-Round 15:53 Funding and Partnerships 19:42 The Parallels to Ag Water Management 25:39 Expanding the Movement Related Content: #138 | Set It & Forget It... Making Controlled Water Management Accessible with Agri Drain#56 | A More Efficient Approach to Water Quality: Batch and Build#14 | Opportunities in Water QualityAdopt-a-DrainFind us on social media! Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube MusicYouTubeVisit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

    28 min
  8. #139 | Right Place, Right Time; Conservation Hitting The Mark

    11/25/2025

    #139 | Right Place, Right Time; Conservation Hitting The Mark

    Who can help with funding water quality practices on your land? Guest Host Trey Allis sits down with Rita Weaver, Chief Engineer at the Minnesota Board of Water & Soil Resources (BWSR), to discuss soil health, water management practices, and water-quality programs happening throughout the state. They break down specific projects, funding, and tools helping producers take on water and soil challenges. Learn how opportunities with conservation — adding practices in the right place at the right time  — are making an impact.  Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 00:33 - Welcome to The Water Table podcast 00:40 - Introducing Rita Weaver 01:57 - Chief Engineer Role at BWSR 03:05 - Agency Impact on Water Quality 03:52 - Major Projects and Funding (Where’s The Money Going)  05:05 - Opportunities With Improvement Projects   08:15 - Larger Scale Conservation Practices and Improvements 08:51 - BWSR Water Quality and Storage Program  09:46 - Funding: Grant Application Process  10:52 - Future Funding: How Far Will Funding Go 13:35 - Storage Practice End Goal  14:45 - What Does Soil Health Mean To You 17:02 - The Effect of Too Much Water, Too Little Water 18:00 - Water Quality Issues and Solutions 22:20 - How Flooding Affects High Benefitting Areas  24:09 - Did You Always Want To Work For BWSR 27:07 - Thank You Rita  27:30 - How To Contact BWSR 27:50 - Wrap-up Related content: #132 | Ducks Unlimited: Balancing Wetland Conservation & Agricultural Production#114 | Crumbling Ag Drainage Infrastructure = Unique Upgrade Opportunities#87 | Who Supports the Boots on the Ground!?! (Hint: it’s LICA)… On the Road#77 | How 5 Million Dollars, 39 Test Sites & 29 Bright Minds are Transforming DrainageFind us on social media! FacebookTwitter InstagramListen on these podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube MusicYouTubeVisit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

    28 min
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5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

A place to learn about agricultural water management topics that impact our industry. Jamie Duininck hosts thought-provoking discussions with a wide variety of experts on topics such as drainage best practices, product standards, conservation efforts, land values, crop health, economic impact, system design, and safety issues.

Information

  • Creator
    Jamie Duininck
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    163
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Water Table
  • Show Website
    The Water Table

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